Alabama QB Jalen Milroe: “Jalen Hurts is my true inspiration”

Eagles star quarterback Jalen Hurts had an unconventional journey to the NFL, but never once became disheartened along the way.

From getting benched in a CFP Championship Game to seeing fans clamor for Gardner Minshew to start over him in Philadelphia, Hurts has faced plenty of hardship throughout his football career.

Yet he never wavered from his dream, and that unmatched determination has influenced many across this nation — including current Alabama QB Jalen Milroe.

Ahead of Monday’s Rose Bowl game, Milroe stated that Hurts, who is now among the NFL’s highest-paid players and has already been to a Super Bowl, is his ‘true inspiration.’

Jalen Milroe talks about who his biggest inspiration is @abc3340 pic.twitter.com/4XFVy7mcEf

— Chris McCulley (@ChrisMcCulleyTV) December 27, 2023

“Jalen Hurts is my true inspiration because through anything he always kept a smile on his face and a chip on his shoulder,” Milroe said during the Rose Bowl’s Disneyland event.

“Through how everybody turned their back on him, he saw the bigger purpose in his future. He’s a man of faith. You can’t beat a man who’s a man of faith. It’s hard to bring them down.”

Milroe and Hurts have both endured adversity during their Alabama tenures. Hurts was replaced by Tua Tagovailoa at halftime of the 2018 CFP Championship and watched his teammate lead the Crimson Tide to a 26-23 OT victory over Georgia.

Despite having a 26-2 record as a starter, Hurts remained Tagovailoa’s backup the following season. In a bit of a redemption arc, Hurts came in for an injured Tagovailoa to help Alabama win the SEC Championship. Hurts transferred to Oklahoma for the 2019 season and finished the year as a Heisman finalist.

As for Milroe, he was benched in Week 3 of this season before reclaiming his job the following week and has since become one of the most productive quarterbacks in college. Over his last five games, Milroe has accounted for 1,427 yards and 17 touchdowns with just one turnover.

“That is someone who I love a lot, and I have a connection with him,” Milroe said of Hurts. “I consider him my brother. Jalen Hurts, I applaud him because of who he is as a person. Not too many people could be like.”

Milroe will look to write the next chapter of his story on Monday as No. 4 Alabama faces No. 1 Michigan, with the winner advancing to the National Championship on Jan. 8 in Houston.

“He’s had a great year,” Hurts said. “He’s always been a very special player. He’s a Texas kid. And he’s just he’s just, he’s just continued to grow and grow and grow and it’s been really, really nice to watch.”

BOOM!!💥@JalenMilroe ➡️ @showtime1kp

📺 ESPN pic.twitter.com/OAtUmj7PU4

— Alabama Football (@AlabamaFTBL) October 14, 2023

Mandatory Credit: Getty Images